The Minnesota Independent

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Does Paulsen’s peril herald end to congressional protege ascensions?

By Chris Steller | 10.10.08 | 2:42 pm

If state Rep. Erik Paulsen loses his race to replace retiring 3rd District U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad, it will be the second straight election cycle in which a former staffer fails to succeed the veteran Minnesota congressman he served, despite his mentor’s endorsement. Coattails that once withstood even party-endorsement snubs now appear too tattered to pull proteges into office.